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EXPERT REACTION: Federal Government independent interim assessment of Murray Darling fish deaths
The Federal Government last night released an independent interim assessment of the recent fish deaths in the Murray Darling river system. The report suggests continued hot conditions, combined with a lack of water flow, caused the weir pools to Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Federal Government independent interim assessment of Murray Darling fish deaths - Scimex
Australia; QLD; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre -
Shots fired! Hayabusa2 fires a bullet at Ryugu to collect asteroid dirt
Japanese space-probe Hayabusa2 has completed the next stage of its mission, to touch down onto asteroid Ryugu and collect a small sample of the rocky surface. The space probe descended to the surface, and fired a metal bullet in order to smash up Read more about Shots fired! Hayabusa2 fires a bullet at Ryugu to collect asteroid dirt - Scimex
InternationalJapanese AeroSpace Exploration Agency -
Researchers develop sharp solution for waste glass
A new process turning waste glass into everyday products could save tens of millions of tonnes of glass from going to landfill every year. Media Release. From:The University of Queensland. A new process turning waste glass into every day products Read more about Researchers develop sharp solution for waste glass - Scimex
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Methane emissions ballooned between 2014-2017
Global Biogeochemical Cycles
The amount of methane in the atmosphere has been rising since 2007 and it's not slowing down say an international team of researchers - including a New Zealander. Methane emissions had been dropping at the start of the century, but new air sampling Read more about Methane emissions ballooned between 2014-2017 - Scimex
New Zealand; InternationalVictoria University of Wellington|Royal Holloway, University of London -
Birds of a feather grow together
PLOS Biology
Regardless of what kind of flying bird you look at, their feathers will be arranged in a precise hexagonal pattern, and European researchers have figured out why. They say a special signalling pathway - one known to be essential for hair, teeth, and Read more about Birds of a feather grow together - Scimex
InternationalUniversity of Edinburgh, Scotland -
Study links diabetes and back pain
PLOS ONE
People with diabetes have a 35 percent higher risk of experiencing low back pain and 24 percent higher risk of having neck pain than those without diabetes, a review by University of Sydney researchers has found.The analysis of eight previous Read more about Study links diabetes and back pain - Scimex
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
World's biggest bee found
Lost to science since 1981 and thought by some to be extinct, Wallace's giant bee (Megachile pluto) has been rediscovered in Indonesia by an international team of scientists and conservationists. Funder: Global Wildlife Conservation. Media Release. Read more about World's biggest bee found - Scimex
Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Sydney|CQUniversity -
Ferocious T. rex evolved from tiny 78kg ancestor
Communications Biology
The remains of a new species in the tyrannosauroid family 15 million years older than other tyrannosaur fossils have been found in Utah. The new species – named Moros intrepidus – had short legs about 1.2 metres long when fully grown and is Read more about Ferocious T. rex evolved from tiny 78kg ancestor - Scimex
InternationalNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, USA -
Even independent reviews of cannabis law reform can be clouded
New Zealand Medical Journal
Massey University's drug research team has concerns over the independent economic review of the potential legalisation of cannabis by consultancy Sense Partners. While they are broadly supportive of the of cannabis law reform based on harm reduction, Read more about Even independent reviews of cannabis law reform can be clouded - Scimex
New ZealandMassey University -
Higher socioeconomic deprivation linked to more than one chronic condition
New Zealand Medical Journal
Multimorbidity, when one patient has two or more chronic conditions, is more common and appears earlier in areas with high socioeconomic deprivation, with Māori and Pacifica disproportionately affected. In a free GP clinic in Dunedin, the majority Read more about Higher socioeconomic deprivation linked to more than one chronic condition - Scimex
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
High referral rate for New Zealand women to be genetically tested for cancer risk
New Zealand Medical Journal
New Zealand women diagnosed with high-grade ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer, the rate of referral for genetic BRCA testing is high compared to international rates, say New Zealand researchers. Women with specific variants of the BRCA Read more about High referral rate for New Zealand women to be genetically tested for cancer risk - Scimex
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Are human brains unique?
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States
New University of Sydney research shows that properties thought to be unique to the human brain are also shared by the mouse brain. Media Release. From:The University of Sydney. New research shows that properties thought to be unique to the human Read more about Are human brains unique? - Scimex
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Feeling closer to your friends could protect you from cyberbullying negativity
Psychology in the Schools
Young people who feel closer connections with their friends are less vulnerable to cyberbullying, according to Australian research. The researchers surveyed 229 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 in South Australia, on their experiences of Read more about Feeling closer to your friends could protect you from cyberbullying negativity - Scimex
Australia; QLD; SAUniversity of the Sunshine Coast|University of South Australia -
Churchill Fellow goes global to explore VR as tool for social good
Imagine hanging out in a rainforest with orang-utans without having to leave your lounge room. Then imagine how the impact of threats to their habitat may become more real to you as a result. QUT Creative Industries alumnus, creative technologist Read more about Churchill Fellow goes global to explore VR as tool for social good - Scimex
Australia; International; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Self-help manual to help child sleep patterns
Escalating family anxiety over childhood sleep problems affect everyone in a family unit – parents, siblings and the child enduring sleep issues – but a new book that teaches parents step-by-step treatments puts research-supported techniques Read more about Self-help manual to help child sleep patterns - Scimex
Australia; SAFlinders University -
A better model for sewage systems – and the Murray
ScienceDirect
An improved wastewater system using algae to accelerate the breakdown of effluent presents Australian rural communities with a significant breakthrough in cheaper and more efficient wastewater management, Flinders University researchers confirm in a Read more about A better model for sewage systems – and the Murray - Scimex
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Tangle of shorebird policy unpicked
Regional Environmental Change
Research has shown that international cooperation has been critical in protecting migratory shorebirds in the Asia Pacific, but ongoing challenges exist. The University of Queensland-led study surveyed and analysed the international policy framework Read more about Tangle of shorebird policy unpicked - Scimex
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Origins of giant extinct New Zealand bird traced to Africa
Diversity
Scientists have revealed the African origins of New Zealand’s most mysterious giant flightless bird – the now extinct adzebill – showing that some of its closest living relatives are the pint-sized flufftails from Madagascar and Africa. Read more about Origins of giant extinct New Zealand bird traced to Africa - Scimex
Australia; New Zealand; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Supporting driver retirement for people with dementia
International Psychogeriatrics
Researchers are calling for Australia’s system of managing driver retirement for people with dementia to be overhauled. A University of Queensland study found a lack of suitable screening and assessment measures remained an issue for General Read more about Supporting driver retirement for people with dementia - Scimex
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
The new exercise trend that’s made for everyone
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Bringing the science of high intensity interval training (HIIT) into everyday life could be the key to helping unfit, overweight people get more of the exercise they need to improve their health, according to an international research team. Funder: Read more about The new exercise trend that’s made for everyone - Scimex
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
New tool to track human infectious diseases in Australia
PNAS
Researchers at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have developed a new tool to understand how human infectious diseases found overseas might spread in Australia. Media Release. From:CSIRO. Researchers at CSIRO, Australia’s national Read more about New tool to track human infectious diseases in Australia - Scimex
Australia; QLDData61|CSIRO -
Print, radio, TV: the medium shapes the performer
PLOS ONE
When different communication technologies like print, radio and television are introduced, performers which suit the medium rise to prominence, according to a US study. The researchers used biographical data from Wikipedia to understand the societal Read more about Print, radio, TV: the medium shapes the performer - Scimex
InternationalMassachusetts Institute of Technology, US -
No landing zone! Zebra stripes make terrible landing strips for horse flies
PLOS ONE
Zebra stripes may be a defence against predators after all, but not the huge lions and leopards you might expect! International research has revealed that the stripes may help to stop horse flies from landing on and biting zebras. The flies were Read more about No landing zone! Zebra stripes make terrible landing strips for horse flies - Scimex
InternationalUniversity of California Davis, USA -
Testosterone protects male embryos in mice
Nature
Testosterone has a helpful anti-inflammatory effect, and international researchers suggest that it could help the survival rates of male baby mice. Inflammation is dangerous to embryo growth, and the researchers replicated the anti-inflammatory Read more about Testosterone protects male embryos in mice - Scimex
InternationalCornell University, USA -
Neptune's 'new' mini moon Hippocamp may have been created by comets
Nature
Neptune's newly discovered smallest moon, named Hippocamp, might have formed out of a comet impact with its brother Proteus, according to US research. The study used Hubble Space Telescope observations of the moons of Neptune to determine how Read more about Neptune's 'new' mini moon Hippocamp may have been created by comets - Scimex
InternationalSETI Institute, USA -
Suicide in young teens and teen girls characterised by bullying and abuse
ANZJPH
The characteristics of suicide differ between younger and older adolescents, and between male and female teens, according to Australian research which found that females and younger teens aged 13-16 are more likely to have experienced abuse, peer Read more about Suicide in young teens and teen girls characterised by bullying and abuse - Scimex
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne|Monash University|Monash Children’s Hospital, Coroners Prevention Unit, Coroners Court of Victoria -
Gen Z are self harming by overdosing on paracetamol and prescription drugs
BMJ Open
Young Generation Z Australians, born after 1997, are increasingly engaging in self-harm by poisoning themselves with substances such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and antidepressants, according to Australian research. The study of calls to the New South Read more about Gen Z are self harming by overdosing on paracetamol and prescription drugs - Scimex
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
High brain iron associated with risk of cognitive loss in Alzheimer’s disease
Molecular Psychiatry
Researchers from the Melbourne Dementia Research Centre at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and University of Melbourne believe they have solved the mystery of why 30 per cent of people who have high levels of the amyloid Read more about High brain iron associated with risk of cognitive loss in Alzheimer’s disease - Scimex
Australia; VICFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health... -
Potential link between vitamin D deficiency and loss of brain plasticity
Trends in Neuroscience
University of Queensland research may explain why vitamin D is vital for brain health, and how deficiency leads to disorders including depression and schizophrenia. Media Release. From:Queensland Brain Institute. University of Queensland research Read more about Potential link between vitamin D deficiency and loss of brain plasticity - Scimex
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Rainfall and temperature predicts bird colouration
An international study led by a Monash ornithologist has found variation in rainfall and temperature can affect the colours of birds. The study provides a new framework that can be used to understand how future changes in climate will affect animals. Read more about Rainfall and temperature predicts bird colouration - Scimex
Australia; VICMonash University -
Curtin study calls for new mining rules to protect animals in site restorations
Pacific Conservation Biology
New Curtin research has found the impact of mining on animals is overlooked in most mine site restoration assessments, prompting a call for greater onus to be put on mine operators to restore animal communities after mining. The study, published in Read more about Curtin study calls for new mining rules to protect animals in site restorations - Scimex
Australia; WACurtin University -
Child donors’ psychological risk unknown
It is accepted medical practice that child siblings, even as young as six months, can be used as bone marrow or blood stem cell donors to save a brother or sister with a life-threatening illness. Harvesting of marrow or blood stem cells has no Read more about Child donors’ psychological risk unknown - Scimex
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Bee-ing right-handed saves time
Biology Letters
It seems like Derek Zoolander isn't the only non-ambiturner, as a US scientist discovered that bees prefer to turn right when entering new locations. Unlike the aforementioned really, really, really, ridiculously good looking model, the bees seem to Read more about Bee-ing right-handed saves time - Scimex
InternationalLouisiana State University, USA -
Lady Treefrogs hop to it for easy boys
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
US researchers say that female Green Treefrogs will chase after easy to access boy-frogs, rather than those that they really want. The team says that the lady-hoppers will sometimes choose a mate based on how much energy they are prepared to use to Read more about Lady Treefrogs hop to it for easy boys - Scimex
InternationalUniversity of Wisconsin, USA -
How will intertidal species adapt to worsening ocean acidification?
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Natural tidal cycles need to be considered to predict the impacts of climate change on species living in intertidal zones, say international researchers. For intertidal species such as mussels, the changes in tides influence their physiological and Read more about How will intertidal species adapt to worsening ocean acidification? - Scimex
InternationalUniversity of Exeter, UK -
Introduced daisy changes its appearance on Australian beaches, defying evolutionary expectations
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
In less than a century since it was introduced to Australia, the South African beach daisy has drastically changed its appearance – a clear and unusual example of rapid evolution in plants, a new study led by UNSW scientists has shown. Funder: Read more about Introduced daisy changes its appearance on Australian beaches, defying evolutionary expectations - Scimex
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Macquarie University -
Understanding drivers of coral reef recovery: a long-term study in western Pacific island of Palau
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
New research on reef recovery shows corals need 9 to 12 years to fully recover following large disturbance events such as mass bleaching and storm damage. The findings are from Southern Cross University PhD researcher Marine Gouezo, who works with Read more about Understanding drivers of coral reef recovery: a long-term study in western Pacific island of Palau - Scimex
Australia; NSWSouthern Cross University -
EXPERT REACTION: Acupuncture could offer relief from menopause
BMJ Open
Hot flushes? Mood swings? Sleepless nights? If you're having a hard time with menopause, you could consider acupuncture as an alternative if you who can’t, or don’t want to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT), according to Danish researchers. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Acupuncture could offer relief from menopause - Scimex
InternationalUniversity of Copenhagen, Denmark -
Gut benefits of moving away from a high fat diet
The BMJ
Eating a high fat diet may affect the type and amount of healthy gut bacteria you have. A team of researchers, including a New Zealander, collected gut bacteria from participants of normal weight who followed either a low, medium or high-fat diet Read more about Gut benefits of moving away from a high fat diet - Scimex
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago|Qingdao University, China -
Global elimination of cervical cancer is 'within reach'
The Lancet Oncology
Cervical cancer could be eliminated as a major public health problem in 149 out of 181 countries by 2100, according to Australian researchers. Australia is expected to have less than four cases for every 100 000 women by 2035, and now researchers Read more about Global elimination of cervical cancer is 'within reach' - Scimex
Australia; International; NSWCancer Council NSW|The University of New South Wales... -
Australia’s 10 worst invasive species
Pacific Conservation Biology
New research has shown that invasive or pest species are a problem for 1, 257 threatened species in Australia, or about four out of five species. The research which has been published in Pacific Conservation Biology also identified the top ten Read more about Australia’s 10 worst invasive species - Scimex
Australia; QLDThreatened Species Recovery Hub, National Environmental Science Program... -
New hope for first responder mental health
Journal of Medical Internet Research
World-first research will see emergency services workers become better equipped to take on the many mental health challenges of their demanding roles. UNSW’s Workplace Mental Health Research Team, the Black Dog Institute and Fire and Rescue NSW Read more about New hope for first responder mental health - Scimex
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|Black Dog Institute -
NZ's giant raptors evolved from tiny Aussie relatives
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Both of New Zealand’s extinct giant raptors were once related to much smaller, open land adapted Australian relatives, according to new Australasian research. The Eyles’harrier and Haast’s eagle diverged from their Aussie relatives about two Read more about NZ's giant raptors evolved from tiny Aussie relatives - Scimex
Australia; New ZealandUniversity of Otago|The University of Sydney|Curtin University... -
This Japanese plant could help preserve your youth
Nature Communications
A Japanese plant commonly found in herb gardens could hold the secret to anti-aging, say international researchers. The study investigated a compound known as 4, 4’-dimethoxychalcone (DMC) found in the leaves and stalks of the Ashitaba plant, and Read more about This Japanese plant could help preserve your youth - Scimex
InternationalUniversity of Graz, Austria -
Sophisticated monkey hunting aids human colonisation of South Asian rainforest
Nature Communications
New evidence has revealed specialised hunting of monkeys by humans 45, 000 years ago was the key to successfully colonising the rainforests of Sri Lanka. The findings, published in Nature Communications, reveals the discovery of cut-marked and burnt Read more about Sophisticated monkey hunting aids human colonisation of South Asian rainforest - Scimex
Australia; QLDGriffith University|The University of Queensland|Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History -
Less flexible antibodies in elderly reduce their protection against the flu
Cell Press
Influenza vaccines may not be as effective in elderly people as they are less capable of producing antibodies that can adapt to new viral strains, say international researchers. As we age, our B cells and the antibodies they release have fewer Read more about Less flexible antibodies in elderly reduce their protection against the flu - Scimex
InternationalUniversity of Chicago, US -
Testing pain relief treatments for whiplash
Researchers in the RECOVER Injury Research Centre are seeking people with neck pain from a whiplash injury to help them test the effectiveness of non-opioid pain relief. Media Release. From:The University of Queensland. Researchers are investigating Read more about Testing pain relief treatments for whiplash - Scimex
Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland -
American whalers left rock engravings in Pilbara in 1840s
Antiquity
A team of archaeologists from The University of Western Australia working with Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto have discovered Indigenous people were not the only ones to leave their mark in the Dampier Archipelago. Archaeologists Read more about American whalers left rock engravings in Pilbara in 1840s - Scimex
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia -
WA universities to help shape the future of space technology
Western Australian universities will play a major role in helping shape the future of space technology when a prestigious international symposium is held in Perth next month. The Emerging and Disruptive Technology Assessment Symposium (EDTAS) will Read more about WA universities to help shape the future of space technology - Scimex
Australia; WACurtin University|The University of Western Australia... -
Rabbits more destructive to dunes than climate change
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Rabbits have been identified as the culprit behind historical damage to the vast dune system that flanks South Australia’s Coorong. A long-term study of vegetation cover on Younghusband Peninsula’s transgressive dunes by Flinders University Read more about Rabbits more destructive to dunes than climate change - Scimex
Australia; SAFlinders University
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